AceShowbiz - Tony Award-winning lyricist and writer Martin Charnin has died, aged 84.

The theatre great, best known for his work on the beloved Broadway musical "Annie", passed away after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday (July 03), according to his daughter, Sasha.

Her Facebook statement reads: "Our father passed away. Martin Charnin lived a very full life. He was watching 'Family Feud' at the end, laughing with (wife) Shelly in bed at the hospital. He suffered a minor heart attack on the 3rd and tried to hold on for all (of) us. His strength was astounding. He's in a painless place, now. Probably looking for Cole Porter and Ira Gershwin."

"We adored Daddy and not fully accepting it yet (sic). He loved and lived his best! He was the best father we could have ever imagined... And as loving as he was has kept all of us completely directionless. Which way do we go Daddy? Damn. But like he said and as corny as this sounds... the sun'll will come out tomorrow (sic). Rest In Peace, Daddy. We love you."

Charnin won a Tony Award for Best Original Score for "Annie". He also picked up a Grammy for Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)", which sampled his "Annie" tune of the same name.